Practical worksheet

Business budget template

Plan sales and expenses, then compare actual results with your original assumptions.

Last reviewed 2 October 2026

Before you start

Choose a monthly or quarterly period and a consistent GST basis. Keep your budget separate from your cash-flow forecast: sales and cash receipts may happen at different times.

Why use this?

Plan sales and expenses, then compare actual results with your original assumptions.

When should I use it?

Use it when planning a decision, then update it as actual figures become available.

What will it tell me?

It makes your assumptions visible so you can compare your plan with what happens in the business.

Work through the steps

Each prompt explains what to enter. The example is a guide, not a target for your business.

01. Period and goals

Choose the budget period and name the decisions this budget should help you make.

October–December: test whether a second delivery vehicle is affordable.

02. Revenue assumptions

Estimate sales by product or customer group. Write the units, price and evidence behind each assumption.

120 service jobs × $250 average sale = $30,000 before GST.

03. Direct costs and gross profit

Estimate materials, fulfilment and other direct costs. Subtract from revenue to estimate gross profit.

$30,000 sales − $11,000 direct costs = $19,000 gross profit.

04. Operating expenses

List wages, rent, insurance, software, marketing, utilities and professional fees. Mark fixed and variable items.

Rent $3,000; wages $8,000; insurance $450; software $250.

05. Actuals and variances

At month end, enter actual results and the difference from budget. Explain material changes rather than only recording them.

Materials $2,000 above budget because two urgent jobs needed overtime.

06. Decisions and reforecast

What changes next month? Record an owner and date for each action and update the forecast separately.

Review supplier quote; adjust prices on low-margin jobs; update cash forecast Friday.

Your entries remain on this device. The site does not upload or save them.

This worksheet is general planning information. Ask a qualified accountant, tax agent or lawyer where your decision needs specialist advice.